Entering the 'Hot Weapons Era' of Healthcare: Artificial Intelligence as a Catalyst for Industry Transformation

2017 marked the inaugural year for the development of medical artificial intelligence (AI) in China. AI is experiencing explosive innovative growth, permeating every aspect of daily life, including clothing, food, housing, and transportation. For instance, “M,” the AI assistant developed by Facebook, utilizes machine learning to scan vocabulary used in conversations and recommends relevant activities or services to users. Meanwhile, Chinese internet giants Alibaba and Baidu have long since launched their own innovative AI applications: DT PAI and Baidu Brain, respectively. The former enables user behavior prediction without the need for writing new code, while the latter possesses capabilities in vision, hearing, speech, and planning and decision-making.

Amid the vigorous development of artificial intelligence (AI), AI applications in healthcare have entered a fast lane. Watson, the most mature AI application in the medical field, has been fully commercialized. A number of China’s leading Grade 3A hospitals, at the forefront of healthcare reform, have taken the lead in adopting AI technologies. Many of these hospitals have partnered with Baiyang Intelligent Technology to introduce Watson for Oncology (hereinafter referred to as “WfO”), achieving clinical application first in the field of oncology treatment. As a result, the healthcare industry is gradually transitioning from the “cold weapon” era into the “hot weapon” era of artificial intelligence. With its characteristics of speed, precision, evidence-based reasoning, and personalization, Watson has become a major driver of this industry transformation.

According to Baiyang Intelligent Technology, IBM Watson Health’s strategic partner in China, Watson for Oncology (WfO) has been deployed at 27 Grade A tertiary hospitals across 21 cities in nine provinces nationwide. It has rapidly developed evidence-based, customized treatment plans for nearly 1,000 cancer patients with clear diagnoses. This fully demonstrates that a segment of physicians at the technological forefront has begun to master artificial intelligence technology, officially ushering in the “hot weapon” era.

Professor Qin Shukui, Deputy Director of Nanjing Bayi Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army, Director of the Oncology Center of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, and Vice Chairman of the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO), stated at the 2017 CSCO Academic Annual Conference: “Cancer has become a highly prevalent common disease among humans, with its incidence and mortality rates in China increasing year by year. In this era of information explosion, physicians are unable to continuously access and absorb the vast volume of medical literature and knowledge, nor can they rapidly keep pace with advanced domestic and international medical data and trends. However, after 12 years of research, IBM developed the Watson solution for oncology and genomics, which effectively integrates the profound expertise and clinical experience of leading oncologists with modern information technology. This helps clinical oncologists provide optimal treatment plans for patients, serving as a partner and assistant to clinicians in oncology practice.”

According to data from the National Cancer Center, in 2016, there were 4.292 million new cancer cases and 2.814 million cancer-related deaths in China, equivalent to an average of 12,000 new cancer diagnoses and 7,700 cancer-related deaths per day. Currently, the trend of tumor diseases in China is not optimistic. In this era of information explosion, doctors have very limited time and energy, making it difficult for them to read all the literature and knowledge and keep up with the latest data and trends at home and abroad. In contrast, the advent of Watson can help doctors quickly understand the world's most cutting-edge medical literature, saving them a significant amount of time and energy, thereby greatly improving the quality and efficiency of tumor diagnosis and treatment by doctors and hospitals.

“Watson, born of artificial intelligence technology, has propelled the evolution of healthcare from evidence-based medicine to cognitive medicine. AI cannot replace physicians; Watson serves merely as an assistant to doctors, much like firearms do not constitute soldiers themselves. However, just as every soldier desires powerful weaponry, physicians likewise seek to be fully equipped, combining rich clinical experience with rational judgment to become the ‘intelligent physicians’ required in the new era. Consequently, a knowledge gap will gradually emerge between ordinary physicians and those proficient in using Watson, and the medical industry will comprehensively transition from the age of cold weapons to that of hot weapons. Physicians who master Watson may eventually replace those who do not.” This was pointed out by Fu Gang, Chairman of Baiyang Pharmaceutical Group, who has made significant achievements in the application of information technology.

Objective factors, such as China’s large population base and insufficient distribution of medical resources, have made the practical application of AI in healthcare an imperative. Artificial intelligence has become a key component in the upgrading and reform of China’s healthcare system. With the adoption of AI applications, China’s healthcare industry is set to accelerate onto the “fast track” of smart healthcare.

Professor Jiang Zefei, Director of the Breast Tumor Department at the 307th Hospital and Chairman of the Breast Cancer Expert Committee of the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO), has expressed strong endorsement for the integration of mature artificial intelligence tools, such as Watson, into the medical field. He stated, “Artificial intelligence is gradually becoming part of our daily lives, particularly shining in the field of oncology treatment. We should neither reject nor fear AI; machines are always designed to serve humans. Watson can help clinicians conserve energy and make better treatment decisions. Although AI recommendations may sometimes differ from those of physicians, the final decision always rests with humans. Having an additional perspective can assist doctors in developing a more comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic mindset.”

As one of the earlier hospitals to implement the Watson Multidisciplinary Tumor Board Center, Li Na, Deputy Director of the Department of Oncology at the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, stated: “The introduction of Watson has provided our clinical oncologists and hospital with an opportunity to align with internationally leading, precise, and customized cancer treatment protocols. Leveraging its robust database and accumulated expertise, the Watson for Oncology solution assists physicians in establishing evidence-based, patient-centered, individualized treatment plans. It will also accelerate the training of young physicians at our hospital, thereby further enhancing the quality of medical and healthcare services in our city and across Hebei Province.”

Meanwhile, the arrival of Watson will also help transform the real-life plight of cancer patients in China, who often seek medical care from multiple sources, pursue second opinions from various providers, travel abroad for treatment, and rely on remote consultations with specialists. Aunt Rong, a patient who experienced Watson during a free clinic event at the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, stated: “I am a cardiologist and was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. My local doctors developed a treatment plan for me. However, because I also suffer from heart disease, I traveled to Beijing to consult a breast cancer specialist. After learning about my condition, the specialist proposed an alternative plan that differed from the initial one, but I remained hesitant to change my treatment approach. Dr. Li Na, Deputy Director of the Oncology Department, noted that the personalized treatment recommendation provided by Watson was entirely consistent with the Beijing specialist’s plan. Furthermore, based on Watson’s in-depth analysis of my condition supported by extensive cutting-edge international medical literature and data, she concluded that Watson’s recommended regimen was fully appropriate. This ultimately gave me the confidence to switch my treatment plan.”

Industry insiders state that the successful application of Watson exemplifies the future of the healthcare system following reforms. With the continuous advancement of machine learning, driven by national policies and the demand for consumption upgrades, artificial intelligence will bring unprecedented transformation to healthcare. The medical industry has entered the “era of advanced weaponry” of AI; physicians will gradually evolve into intelligent practitioners, and the healthcare service system, empowered by AI, will unleash immense development potential.